Complaints about removal from GP lists rise by 16% in a year

The health service ombudsman has received a substantial increase in the number of complaints against the NHS for failing to adequately acknowledge or apologise for mistakes, a new report has found.

Listening and learning, which gives an overview of NHS complaints made to the ombudsman in 2011-12, said the NHS was failing to communicate effectively with patients and families when responding to grievances, and said the health service “must get better” at handling complaints on the ground.

The report also highlighted the “continuing problem” with GPs “unfairly or hastily” removing patients from their practice lists after disputes and disagreements. The ombudsman issued a warning to GPs about this issue last year, …